Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318196 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Patricia Graham

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her son aged 11 years in the New Moston area of Manchester. The open plan lounge and dining room on the ground floor are used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five part time and one child over five before and after school. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as they are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care as they wash their hands, without prompting, after using the toilet and they independently help themselves to tissues and wipes, which are accessible. The childminder implements good hygiene practices. For example, she has regular routines for cleaning her home and uses a hand sanitiser when changing nappies. This minimises the risk of cross infection. Children are sufficiently protected when they are ill because the childminder has a written sickness policy, which is shared with parents. The childminder is suitably qualified to administer first aid and a well resourced first aid box is in place. However, the first aid box is accessible to children and contains non prescribed medication, which poses a small element of risk to

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Helping children to be healthy

children's health and safety. There are satisfactory procedures in place for recording accidents and administering prescribed medication. Children enjoy fresh fruit at snack time. They learn how to feed themselves, for example, babies and young children are provided with finger foods, which foster their independence. They are provided with a good range of healthy meals and snacks throughout the day, which promotes their growth and development. The childminder works in partnership with parents. For example, a sample menu is shared with parents and individual dietary needs and stages of weaning are discussed and accommodated well for individual children. Children are continually hydrated as they independently help themselves to their own drinks, which are available at all times. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, which contributes to their good health. They benefit from fresh air and exercise through regular trips to the park and

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Helping children to be healthy

walks to local toddler groups. Children are secure with consistent routines, which are offered throughout the day. For example, sleep patterns and mealtimes are in line with home experiences, which ensure continuity of care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where positive steps have been taken to promote children's safety. The childminder offers consistent supervision, which ensures children are safe at all times. They independently choose activities from a broad range of toys and resources, which are accessible and reflect the stages of development for all children who attend. Children can safely take risks, for example, they are safe as they actively climb and engage in rough tumble play because the childminder is close by to support and intervene if needed. This approach allows children to have the freedom to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Discussions and good practice implemented by the childminder help children to learn about safety. For example, when a child finds a broken toy he immediately gives it to the childminder and children learn about fire safety as they

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 discuss evacuation procedures, which are clearly displayed. Children are safe outside the home because the childminder is extremely vigilant. Babies and toddlers are securely strapped in a pushchair or walk independently, supported with reins or wrist straps. All children wear security tags when they go on outings to the beach or a busy place, which positively promotes their safety. The childminder has relevant documentation in place, such as emergency contact numbers, consent for transporting children by car and appropriate car insurance, which further promotes children's safety and welfare. Children are well protected as the childminder has updated her knowledge by attending relevant training. She has a good understanding of child protection issues and is fully aware of procedures to follow in line with the Local Safeguarding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's Board. The childminder has a policy in place, which is shared with parents. This ensures the safety and well-being of all children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy in the home because they are well nurtured and have lots of support from the childminder, which increases their sense of well-being and security. Children's independence skills are fostered as they freely select activities and resources. The childminder dedicates much of her time supporting children in their play. She recognises that individual children have their own needs. For example, an older child is able to play quietly with his cars in the lounge area, whilst babies actively explore the different sounds and noises of manufactured toys in the dining area. Consequently, all children are engrossed and happy. The childminder ensures all children have opportunities to play with and explore the full range of toys and resources available as a broad selection are rotated on a regular basis. Children have many opportunities to learn through play because the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

plans stimulating activities and outings. For example, following a recent trip to an aquarium children's learning is extended as they develop their creativity and make brightly coloured fish for their beautiful under water display. They have good opportunities to develop their senses as they make play dough and explore the texture of sand and seashells, which they have collected from the beach. Children thoroughly enjoy looking at pop-up books and snuggle together on the childminder's knee as she reads them a story. Early communication skills of babies are positively supported by the childminder who listens and responds to their babbles and sounds. Babies giggle excitedly as the childminder plays hiding games and they squeal with delight when the childminder speaks to them and joins in their fun. Visits to the library and toddler groups provide children with different experiences and enhances their social skills as they mix with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

other children. Older children are able to take part in activities because the childminder plans activities, such as baking and craft activities after school, which they thoroughly enjoy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of belonging as they are warmly welcomed into the home and are treated with equal regard. The childminder knows them well, which enables individual needs to be met. Children access a good range of toys and activities, which promote their understanding of diversity. For example, they make lanterns as they celebrate the Festival of Light, design dragons for Chinese New Year and sample different foods from around the world. Children have access to all toys and resources regardless of their gender. Children's individual needs are met well by the childminder due to the good relationships she has with parents. The childminder gathers relevant information from parents and allows children to settle at their own pace, which contributes significantly to their sense of security and well-being. Children benefit from the daily communication between the childminder and parents. Information is shared in a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

variety of ways, such as daily diaries and verbal updates, which ensures continuity of care. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by meaningful praise and encouragement given by the childminder, for example, a child beams when praised for sharing. Behaviour is managed consistently by the childminder who is very calm in her approach and uses effective strategies, such as distraction techniques, which the children respond remarkably well to. The childminder plays with children at their level and offers each child cuddles and kind words. Consequently, children have a good sense of belonging and are extremely happy and contented.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and relaxed as they play in comfort in the well organised home. They benefit from space as the childminder organises the room and resources effectively, which fosters children's independence as they self-select toys and activities. The ratios are maintained, which ensures children receive the appropriate support and attention required to meet their needs. The childminder has a positive attitude to continually improving the care offered by attending relevant training. This positively enhances the childcare provision. The childminder has very good policies and procedures in place, which are routinely shared with parents and relevant consents are obtained to meet the care needs of children. She has most documents in place, which are in line with the requirements of the National Standards. However, minor changes are needed to medication records to ensure clear consent is given for administering medication. All records are

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Organisation

effectively organised to ensure children's confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • review the contents in the first aid box and ensure it is inaccessible to children • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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